Македонски центар за меѓународна соработка - МЦМС

Author: Jelmaz Dervisi
Date: May, 2025
PDF: Impact_of_USAIDs_funding_termination_f.pdf

Starting from January 2025, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding to North Macedonia was significantly reduced, marking a critical point for the country's civil society sector. For over three decades, USAID has been a key partner in supporting democratic reforms, civil society growth, and private sector development.

Between 2025 and 2028 alone, nearly $37 million in support across multiple sectors were allocated. Key areas affected include democracy and governance, rule of law, anti-corruption initiatives, youth engagement, and media freedom. Many ongoing programs, previously driven by USAID support, now face an uncertain future unless new funding solutions are developed.

The withdrawal of this vital assistance not only challenges the operational sustainability of civil society organizations and local companies, but also threatens to un-dermine progress in advancing transparency, accountability, human rights, and inclusive economic development in North Macedonia.

Furthermore, the termination of USAID programs caused negative campaign including narratives and comments in the mass and social media, making some of the USAID’s program implementers subject to accusations and misinformation.

With the termination of USAID's funding, the remaining key donors to North Macedonia's civil society sector include: European Union, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, British / Dutch / Swedish / German Embassies and others.